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Obama: U.S. Supports Venezuela

In wake of Chavez's death.

Don't worry, Venezuela, Obama's got your back. The president released a statement on Tuesday in the hours after Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez's death, affirming support for the country's people and a constructive relationship with their government. The death marks a challenging time for Venezuela, Obama says in the statement, but the U.S. is committed to promoting democratic principles, human rights, and the rule of law. The president extended his support despite Chávez's penchant for drumming up anti-American sentiment in Venezuela because of a failed 2002 attempt to overthrow him, which Chávez's inner circle has claimed was the work of the United States.